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• Off Trail Hike: Cat Stairs

  • When
    02/22/2025

  The Cat Stairs serve as the west and north faces of Greenbrier Pinnacle and have forever been a storied part of the Great Smokies. Seen from a vantage point like Mount LeConte, The Cat Stairs appear to be huge rock stairs serving as the ascent to the Pinnacle Ridge. Wrapping around the northwest corner of Greenbrier Pinnacle, The Cat Stairs provide endless opportunities for exploration. This excursion will begin at the Road to the Ramsey Cascade Trailhead. The trek will follow the road that the settlers once used to ascend to the Barnes Place where we will pause to pay our respects at the cemetery and homestead. At this point, the fun will begin as we ascend the steep boulder fields on our approach to the main cliffs of The Cat Stairs. After passing through the cliffs, we will catch the views that are offered before plunging down the Cable Route to the Lunch Spot for superior views and possible falcon appearances. Total trip: off-trail 5.5 mile, on-trail 0 mile, 8 hours, drive 100 miles RT. This off-trail trip is rated difficult.

  Leader: Greg Harrell

  To register, contact the leaders directly. You can find contact information in the February 2025 newsletter writeup for this hike.

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• Club 1st Saturday Work trip

  • When
    03/01/2025
  • Location
    Yellow Creek trailhead near Fontana, NC

  Register

  This work trip will focus on treadway improvements north of the Yellow Creek trailhead in the Nantahala National Forest, near Fontana NC.  From the parking area, we will hike north past Cable Gap Shelter, pausing briefly to discuss recent developments regarding this historic shelter, and continue for another mile and a half to build 8-10 steps in a steeply pitched area of the AT trail corridor.  Along the way, we will cut back any vegetation that is crowding the corridor as necessary. 

  In addition to water and lunch, please bring gloves, eye protection, sturdy shoes, and long sleeves.   

  As with all SMHC club maintenance hikes,  if anyone becomes ill within a few days of the event, with symptoms concerning COVID-19, contact the hike leader immediately. For regular pre-hike prep, please visit https://www.smhclub.org/Preparing-for-a-Hike 

  All participants should have hand sanitizer or wipes. If any participant feels sick, please stay at home.

  If Carpooling from TN, meet at the Walmart on Hwy 411 South in Maryville at 8:00 a.m.  Contact Franklin Lafond for further carpool information and to coordinate: ox97game@aol.com or (678) 646-3380.

  Leader: Randy Bullock, Franklin LaFond

  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.

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• Ten Mile Creek Greenway

  • When
    03/08/2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    16200 North Peters Road
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  For this early spring walk, we’ll explore an out-and-back route on a paved Knox County greenway that connects to a paved Knoxville greenway in west Knoxville. Beginning at the now-closed Wynnsong Theater parking lot, we’ll walk east right beside or near Ten Mile Creek for the entire distance. It’s a beautiful clear creek in a mostly wooded area. Along the way to the turnaround at Gallaher View Road we’ll pass a spring tributary, cross under I-40 and Bridgewater Road, and near the end see some beautiful artwork on an underpass. We’ll also pass an area of ten or so springs that Walmart almost destroyed. The trip leader is one of the leaders of the Greenways movement in Knoxville and a published hiking guide author (the just-published 3rd edition of Cherokee National Forest Hiking Guide). See this link for the general route: https://www.kgis.org/KGISMaps/map.htm?map=park&box=2533247:582385:2543913:589635

  The hiking distance will be around 3 plus miles and is rated Easy. Meet at 10 am at the easternmost side of the now-closed Carmike Wynnsong Theater at 16200 North Peters Road, just east of Lowe’s off Peters Road in west Knoxville.

  
  

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• Wednesday Hike: Crip Gap Loop

  • When
    03/12/2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Lead Cove trailhead GSMNP

  Register

  Crib Gap is a trail that is seldom hiked unless one is marking a map. It does intersect or comes very near several other popular trails. This hike will incorporate Crib Gap. We will park on Laurel Creek Road at the Lead Cove and Turkey Pen Ridge Trailheads, 5.7 miles from the Townsend Wye. The route will follow Turkey Pen Ridge for a short distance. A left turn will take us counterclockwise. Along the way, Crib Gap will cross Laurel Creek Road. In 1.8 miles we will intersect Anthony Creek Trail and follow it for 3.3 miles to Bote Mountain Trail where we will turn left 3.7 miles to Finley Cane Trail. Another left turn will put us on Finely Cane Trail which in 2.8 miles will return us to Laurel Creek Road. The total hiked will be 11.9 miles with about 2500 feet of elevation gain. Those wanting a shorter hike can return via Lead Cove.

  For carpooling, meet at Kroger at 244 S. Hall Rd, Alcoa, TN at 8:00 a.m -52 miles RT @.07=$3.75 (O.K. to round to $4). Or meet at Lead Cove TH at 9:00 a.m.

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• Off Trail Hike: Wooly Tops Branch – Little Laurel Branch

  • When
    03/15/2025

  After shuttling some vehicles to the Ramsey Cascades parking area, we will start this hike up the old road to Plemmons cemetery passing by the LeConte Hotel, Greenbrier School, and Primitive Baptist Church sites on the way to the cemetery. After a brief visit to the cemetery, we will continue up an old road to the Andy Huff place. From there we will follow a fork of Wooly Tops Branch up and over Bald Top Ridge. Then we will go down to Little Laurel Branch which we will follow to Ramsey Cascades trailhead. Expect some very thick rhododendron and other obstacles between these two branches. The hike is around 5 miles, mostly off-trail. Rated difficult. Contact the leader for meeting time and place.

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• Cumberland Gap

  • When
    03/15/2025
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • Location
    Gibson Gap trailhead, Cumberland Gap National Park
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  We will explore an interesting area on a beautiful early spring day. This hike will begin on the Gibson Gap Trail, also known locally as the Boy Scout Trail, in the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. After a long traverse, we will quickly climb to the top of the prominent ridge that formed such a formidable barrier to the early settlers of the region, where we will head west to connect with the Lewis Hollow Trail to return to the trailhead, forming a loop of about 10.5 miles. Rated moderate.

  For carpooling, Meet at Hardee’s-107 Buffalo Road, Clinton, TN. Exit 122 off I-75 at 8am. Turn left off the exit ramp then left at the first red light. Or meet at the trailhead at 9:30am. Driving distance to our destination is 57 miles. Driver reimbursement at 7 cents per mile is a total of $8. Driving time 1hr15min.

  
  

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• New Member Hike: Lumber Ridge

  • When
    03/22/2025
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • Location
    Lumber Ridge Trailhead GSMNP

  Register

  The Lumber Ridge Trail is a must-hike trail for anyone hiking in the Smokies. Located behind the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, the area is rich in the history of the lumbering days of the Park. This 8.2-mile round trip hike begins with a 1300 feet climb over about 2.5 miles. There are intermittent views, and there may even be early Spring wildflowers to see. The climb is a good work-out, with the steepest part at the very beginning. Our turn-around point (and lunch spot) will be Buckhorn Gap, at the junction of Meigs Mountain and Meigs Creek Trails. Rated moderate.

  To carpool, meet at the Alcoa Kroger (244 S. Hall Rd, on the right coming from Knoxville just past Burger King; park on the side near the KARM Store) ready to leave at 7:45am {Drive: 46 miles RT @ 7¢/mile=$3.25 rounded}, or meet at the trailhead at Tremont Institute ready to hike at 8:30am.

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• Wednesday Hike: Sand Cave and White Rocks

  • When
    03/26/2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Civic Park Picnic Shelter at the end of Sand Cave Road in Ewing, Virginia
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  The trail starts at Civic Park in Ewing, VA, crosses into Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, and begins as three miles of double track that climbs about 2,000 feet through a series of switchbacks. There are several great vistas along the way, and you'll have several views of White Rocks up above the trail. At approximately 4 miles, you'll come to a junction with a trail to the Hensley Settlement to the left and the trail to White Rocks/Sand Cave to the right. Take this right, then bear left down the trail to Sand Cave.

  After exploring the cave, hike back up to the trail and bear left at the junction. At about 5.5 miles, you'll pass a horse barricade with a sign pointing to the Ewing Trail. Continue past this to visit White Rocks. Scramble up to the top of White Rocks and enjoy the view of the valley below.

  Hike back to the junction to a fun descent back to the Ewing Trail. Be careful on this connector trail as many of the rock steps are a little loose. At the Ewing Trail, take a left and enjoy the pleasant descent back to the trailhead. Rated moderate to difficult due to 2,500 ft of elevation gain. The round trip is 9 miles if doing Sand Cave and White Rocks. Meet at Hardee’s 107 Buffalo Road, Clinton, ready to leave at 7:30. Carpool 135 miles round trip. At 7 cents per miles= $9.50. Or meet at Civic Park Picnic Shelter at the end of Sand Cave Road in Ewing, Virginia at 9:00.

  
  

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• Rich Mountain Loop/Crooked Arm Ridge/Indian Grave Gap

  • When
    03/29/2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Entry gate at Cades Cove Loop Road, GSMNP

  Register

  This popular loop hike is a classic and one of the club’s favorite loop hikes. We will begin at the entrance of the Cades Cove Loop Road. We’ll approach the loop in a counter-clockwise direction, starting with a short section on the Rich Mountain Loop Trail before bearing right onto the Crooked Arm Ridge Trail. We will have an uphill climb of about 1500 ft. (over 2 miles), and we’ll see Crooked Arm Falls along the way as well as outstanding views of Cades Cove. Then we will pick up the Indian Grave Gap Trail where we will be hiking a ridgeline offering views of Dry Valley and Townsend to the north. Next we’ll start down the Rich Mountain Loop Trail, with a stop at the John Oliver Cabin before finishing the hike back at our cars. This hike is 8.6 miles with a total elevation gain of 2000 ft., rated Moderate.

  For carpooling, meet at Kroger, 244 S Hall Road, Alcoa (park at the side of the building, near the SE corner), in time to leave at 8 am. Drive 56 miles RT @ 7 cents = $3.92 (round up to $4). Alternatively, meet near the entry gate at Cades Cove Loop Road, ready to hike at 9 am.

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• Middle Prong Trail

  • When
    03/29/2025
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • Location
    Middle Prong Trailhead, GSMNP

  Register

  Join us on this leisurely stroll on the Middle Prong trail that used to be the railroad bed of the Tremont Lumber Company before the Park opened. We will view Lynn Camp Prong on our left and Lynn Camp Cascades at 0.7 miles. We will see remnants of a former orchard along the way and the rusted remains of the famous old tree-crushed Cadillac at 1.7 miles, a suitable place for an interesting photo op! We just may see some early spring wildflowers along the way. The total hike will be about 3.7 miles. Meet at the parking area at the very end of Tremont Rd. at 1:00pm.

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• Club 1st Saturday Work trip

  • When
    04/05/2025
  • Location
    Fontana, NC

  Register

  This work trip will focus on treadway rehab in the section between Fontana Dam and Campsite 113/Birch Springs. Specific locations of work will be based on prioritization of work needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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• Club 1st Saturday Work trip

  • When
    05/03/2025
  • Location
    Davenport Gap, TN

  Register

  This work trip will focus on treadway rehab in the section between Davenport Gap and Mt Cammerer. Specific locations of work will be based on prioritization of work needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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• Konnarock Trail Crew

  • Start
    05/16/2025
  • End
    05/23/2025
  • Location
    Konnarock Trail Crew

  Register

  This work trip will support the annual A.T. Konnarock Trail Crew in the National Forest. Each year, volunteers from across the country sign up for this ATC-sponsored summer trail crew, over a week-long period. This year, the crew will be. The work site is approximately 1 mile from the trailhead. Car camping is available on a vehicle-accessible gated Forest Service road. SMHC volunteers who participate for 3 or more days on the project will receive a commemorative ATC Trails Crew T-Shirt.

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• Annual National Trails Day Event

  • When
    06/07/2025
  • Location
    Newfound Gap

  Join us to celebrate our club’s 28th annual NTD event! Each year, nearly 100 volunteers come out to help rehab the 12-mile-long, high-use trail sections, between Double Springs and Icewater Springs shelters. Volunteers are divided into teams of 6-8 individuals and assigned to work a section roughly 1-1.5 miles long. A picnic-style meal and door prizes are provided at the end of the workday.

  Registration for this event is required at least 2 weeks in advance. A link to the registration form will be added to our website and published in our April and May newsletters.

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• Club 1st Saturday Work trip

  • When
    07/12/2025
  • Location
    Fontana, NC

  Register

  This work trip will focus on treadway rehab in the Nantahala National Forest between The Nantahala Outdoor Rafting Center and Fontana Dam. Specific locations of work will be based on prioritization of work needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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• Club 1st Saturday Work trip

  • When
    08/02/2025
  • Location
    AT

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  Each season, several hundred pounds of hardwood mulch are used at each of our backcountry privies to aid in proper composting. This work trip will focus on packing mulch to one or more of our backcountry privy locations that is less than 3 miles from the trailhead. Mulch is put in 20 lb. bags for carrying. The club has extra backpacking-style backpacks if needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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• Club 1st Saturday Work trip

  • When
    09/06/2025
  • Location
    Cosby Campground

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  This work trip will focus on treadway rehab in the section between Mt Cammerer Fire Tower and Camel Gap. Access to the work area will be via the 2.5 mile Low Gap Trail, starting at the Cosby Campground. Specific locations of work will be based on prioritization of work needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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• Club 1st Saturday Work trip

  • When
    10/04/2025
  • Location
    Newfound Gap

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  This work trip will focus on treadway rehab in the section between Newfound Gap to Icewater Springs. This is our most heavily used section of trail, and it sees a lot of wear each season. Specific locations of work will be based on prioritization of work needed. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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• Club 1st Saturday Work trip

  • When
    11/01/2025
  • Location
    TBD

  Register

  November is time to start winding down the trail maintenance season. This work day will be focused on cleaning, sharpening, repairing, inventorying, and storing the club’s tools for the winter. The SMHC Newsletter will provide details on what to bring and where we will meet.

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